All Blacks midfielder Ma’a Nonu returns from injury in one of a raft of changes to the Highlanders side for the bottom-of-the-table Super Rugby clash with the Western Force.

Nonu has sat out the past three matches after the knee problem that has troubled him through the season flared up.

He will start at second five-eighth in one of eight changes, which include skipper and hooker Andrew Hore and first five-eighth Colin Slade both dropping to the bench.

Hore is replaced by Liam Coltman in all-new front row for the match in Perth on Saturday night, with Tony Woodcock and Ma’afu Fia as the props.

Taking over the No.10 jersey is Hayden Parker.

Josh Bekhuis returns from a shoulder injury to partner stand-in skipper Brad Thorn at lock.

In the other changes, TJ Ioane and Jason Emery will start at blindside flanker and right wing respectively.

Highlanders: Ben Smith, Jason Emery, Tamati Ellison, Ma’a Nonu, Hosea Gear, Hayden Parker, Aaron Smith, Mose Tuiali’i, John Hardie, TJ Ioane, John Bekhuis, Brad Thorn (captain), Ma’afu Fia, Liam Coltman, Tony Woodcock.

Reserves: Andrew Hore, Bronson Murray, Joe Wheeler, Elliot Dixon, Fumiaki Tanaka, Colin Slade, Tino Nemani/Trent Renata.